Assistant Corporation Counsel (LAW Department - Municipal Division)

Assistant Corporation Counsel (LAW Department - Municipal Division)

Salary

$54,986.00 - $110,200.00 Annually

Location

Detroit, Michigan, MI

Job Type

Certified-Regular Civil Service

Job Number

2026109114282726LAWJS

Department

Law

Opening Date

09/02/2026

Closing Date

9/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Bargaining Unit

1800

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

LAW DEPARTMENT - MUNICIPAL DIVISION

ASSISTANT CORPORATION COUNSEL

How would you like to work for a law firm that is the most diverse in the nation?

• Provides opinions and drafts legislation addressing a wide variety of complex and novel subjects including cutting edge constitutional matters
• Has some of the best lawyers in the state always available for consults
• Relaxed and collegial work environment
• Located in exciting downtown Detroit

We are looking for people who are excited to thrive in an environment of impactful change.

Examples of Duties

What You'll Be Doing

• Preparation of ordinances and legal opinions.
• Attendance at various meetings at all levels of City government.
• Serve as counsel for various City boards and commissions including the Election Commission.
• Counsel and advise clients via email, memorandum, telephonic conference, and person - to - person meetings concerning questions of law and procedure.
• Research, review, and analyze relevant statutes, case law, and Attorney General Opinions to provide legal advice and opinions to clients.
• Maintain monthly statistics, and other administrative tasks required in maintaining weekly calendar and billing requirements, and organized files.

Minimum Qualifications

What You Should Have

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association.
• Must be a member of the Michigan State Bar Association.
• At least two (2) years of related experience preferred.

EQUIVALENCY

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Supplemental Information

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 - 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 point

LRD: 08/26/22

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the techniques of legal research, particularly as applied to municipal corporation law.
• Knowledge of the legal subjects and State and Federal statutes as are applicable to municipal corporation law.
• Knowledge of court procedures and legal principles and their application.
• Knowledge of adjudication principles and practices.
• Skill in legal research.
• Skill in developing legal arguments and applying legal principles to legal problems.
• Skill in effective problem solving techniques.
• Skill in legal writing and drafting.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to analyze and appraise facts, evidence, and precedence.
• Ability to present statements of fact, law and arguments clearly and logically.
• Ability to problem solve and display resourcefulness and initiative in handling legal matters.
• Ability to interact effectively with outside agencies and departmental personnel with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to display judicial temperament and poise.

Distinguishing Characteristics

• Work involves office and field activities and may entail out of town travel.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:

HEALTH

• Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
• Dental
• Vision

INSURANCE

• Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.

PAID TIME OFF

• Sick Leave
• Vacation
• Holidays

OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS

The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave,

RETIREMENT BENEFITS

City Employees Retirement System

As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:

• Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
• At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or
• At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
• In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply);
• An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
• Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.

Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.

01

Please indicate your highest level of education completed

• High School Diploma/GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association
• No Education experience

02

Are you a member of the Michigan State Bar Association?

• Yes
• No

03

How many years of experience in the practice of law including experience in the trial and argument of cases before courts or quasi-judicial bodies?

• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 to 5 years of experience
• 5 to 10 years of experience
• 10 or more years of experience
• No Experience

04

Describe your experience in the practice of law including experience in the trial and argument of cases before courts or quasi-judicial bodies.

05

Describe your experience conducting legal research and applying legal principles, including case law, court procedures, and other legal authorities.

06

Did you attach a copy of your Cover Letter, Resume with References, and Writing Sample?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Detroit

Address Coleman A. Young Municipal Center

2 Woodward Ave ste 316

Detroit, Michigan, 48226

Website http://www.detroitmi.gov/Detroit-Opportunities/Find-A-Job